Would you take Prime Gretzky, or Prime Crosby and Malkin?

[slapKing]

Thought this would be an interesting comparison. In a 1v1, it's Gretzky every time. But if we compare him to the Pens duo, that changes things. Would you choose Gretzky, or the Pens duo if given the choice?

Click to read more...

 

[66-30-33]

Sorry Crosby/Malkin but it's Gretzky no question for this Pens fan.

 

[The Moose is Loose]

Well if we assume Gretzky's peak is the 90 goal, 210+ points versus 120 points for Sid/110 points for Malkin then it's pretty obviously Gretzky.

But that's not accounting for the time period in which they played or anything like that.

 

[Nathaniel Skywalker]

Duo

 

[KoozNetsOff 92]

It's easily Gretzky.

 

[Crow]

I’m thought I was in the minority here, and I find Malkin a touch overrated because he isn’t as good in the playoffs as the regular season, and he gets hurt a lot. Actually Crosby is hurt a lot too but at least he plays aggressive defense and maintains his play more in the postseason.

I guess I’m going with Gretzky. Changed my mind.

 

[Brown Cat]

Would you take Gretz-

Yes

 

[its josh]

Yo, this guy should never be able to make polls again.

 

[Habs10025]

Crosby/ Malkin .

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

Gretzky had Messier, Kurri and Coffey when he won cups. This is Pens duo.

 

[bambamcam4ever]

As amazing as Gretzky was, he's only one player and never won a cup after leaving a team so stacked they won another cup even after losing 99, Kurri, and Coffey. I'd rather have 2 of the best players ever than likely the best one if the goal is to win a cup.

 

[Fourier]

People tend to think that anyone could score with superstar X but it's just not true. But with Gretzky it was often hard not to because he would give you chance after chance after chance. I watched Dave Lumley look like an all star playing with Gretzky after being so firmly entrencehed in Sather's dog house that people almost started calling him Fido. And if additional evidence is needed I point to the games between October 18th and October 29th of 1980.

 

[Larry Hanson]

Tough one since the extra cap that comes along with taking Gretzky would probably be enough for a really good winger. It's a toss up but I went with the duo.

 

[Larry Hanson]

As amazing as Gretzky was, he's only one player and never won a cup after leaving a team so stacked they won another cup even after losing 99, Kurri, and Coffey. I'd rather have 2 of the best players ever than likely the best one if the goal is to win a cup.

Kurri was on all 5 cup teams, your point is still valid though.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Anyone not taking Gretzky is being ridiculous

 

[bambamcam4ever]

Kurri was on all 5 cup teams, your point is still valid though.

You're correct, I clicked on the wrong season.

 

[bobholly39]

Gretzky 100%

I'd take Lemieux or Orr above the duo too

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

Gretzky 100%

I'd take Lemieux or Orr above the duo too

Messier > Esposito

Orr can win you cups, but it's still two cups versus Crosby and Malkins 3 cups.

 

[Karl Eriksson]

99

 

[rogking65]

nothing on these forums irks me more than the stanley cup argument to gauge how good a player was. Just don't comprehend this rationale

 

[nowhereman]

Anyone not taking Gretzky is being ridiculous

Gretzky would probably outscore a prime Crosby by about 20-30 points or so (he wouldn't come remotely close to his 80s totals). Is that 20-30 points really worth a prime Malkin?

Gretzky proved he couldn't do it alone in Los Angeles. On the other hand, Sid and Geno won Cups with less than impressive rosters. I think people often overstate the importance of a single player, even one as good as The Great One.

 

[McFlash97]

To think prime Gretzky by himself basically almost outscored prime Malkin and Crosby together...


The Great One.

 

[bobholly39]

Messier > Esposito

Orr can win you cups, but it's still two cups versus Crosby and Malkins 3 cups.

For peak - Esposito >> Messier for me. Career maybe you can make a case for Messier, but I still prefer Espo. Not sure how that's relevant to anything I said though.

Kunitz has 4 cups. Is he better than any of them?

I probably have Crosby 5th all-time. Still think all of Lemieux, Orr and Gretzky are a significant tier above, and despite how good Malkin is, I take any of those 3 alone above that duo.

 

[jetsforever]

I'd take Gretz but it's closer than some are suggesting. Elite depth is a great thing.

 

[rogking65]

Messier > Esposito

Orr can win you cups, but it's still two cups versus Crosby and Malkins 3 cups.

really you would take them over Orr because orr only had 1 cup